New York Knicks: 5 Takeaways From Las Vegas Summer League

Jul 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (46) wins the opening tip off of an NBA Summer League game over Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Kristaps Belongs

One of the biggest storylines heading into Las Vegas not only on the Knicks, but of the whole tournament, was how fourth overall pick Kristaps Porzingis would play in his first NBA experience. Overall, it would be hard to say that it wasn’t a successful debut for the young Latvian.

While it was clear to everyone watching, and Porzingis himself that he needs to add strength to become a successful player at this level. Standing 7-feet-3 inches tall and only weighing 230 pounds, that is painstakingly clear to anyone who watched him play, but he didn’t back down from anyone. He was tasked with guarding bigger, stronger more polished players almost every game, yet came away with positive results.

He had to guard Jahlil Okafor in the game against the 76ers; while Okafor had his bright spots, Porzingis held him relatively in check. He blocked his shot three times, and Okafor finished the game with 18 points, but needed 18 shots to do so while also turning the ball over four times and finishing with a plus/minus ratio of -18. Porzingis had a big hand in that.

While he wasn’t featured heavily in the offense, he did well when the ball was in his hands. He shot 48 percent from the field, knocking down mid-range jumpers with ease. That is a weapon the Knicks should use a lot during the season, as it is virtually unguardable. He also showed that he wasn’t afraid of mixing it up inside, as he averaged six free throw attempts per game.

For the tournament Porzingis averaged 10.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, one assists, one steal and 1.8 blocks in 20.5 minutes per game. The future is extremely bright for Porzingis, and his first appearance with the Knicks should quell some of the worries fans had when they booed him heavily at the draft and every appearance he made afterwards until playing games in Las Vegas.

Next: Another rookie impressing